Shreyas H S
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 12: Even as the official spokesperson issued a rejoinder to some section of media, denying the claims of locals over the contamination of lake by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), massive outflow of waste from the MRPL was reported by the villagers on Wednesday creating panic among the residents of Jokatte.
It was seen that water with oil content was flowing through the stream connected to the lake. The locals alleged MRPL has left wastes from Coke and Sulphur units. However earlier the similar claim of locals was denied by the spokesperson of the MRPL saying there was no connection to the lake and MRPL.
Co-convener of Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti B H Moideen lamented locals have been frequenting the lake located at Meindagure, following MRPL’s pumping out of waste to lake. He alleged that the MRPL which recently halted the functioning of Coke and Sulphur units resumed the work. “The massive out flow of waste is the result of restoring the works at units”.
He claimed that he never before has witnessed such huge quantity of waste being left-out from the MRPL. Though resistance exhibited by the locals under the banner of Jokatte Nagarika Horata Samiti, the MRPL were least bothered on health issues cropped up at Jokatte. He told locals would protest against this move of the company.
DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla speaking to daijiworld told he was on the way to the spot to check the claims of locals. It could be recalled that he was majorly involved in organizing protests against MRPL for causing alleged pollution by the company in the vicinity of Jokatte. “This is a usual behavior by the officials of the company. As the protests intensifies they retaliate in this way”
He told he would consider the issue very seriously and decide appropriate move against untoward incident by the MRPL. It could be observed that official spokesperson of the MRPL and DYFI president exchanged allegations among themselves recently.
The MRPL spokeperson while contacted by daijiworld promised to talk later on the issue.